d
indicating the calling of a Landseer and of a house-painter. This simple
modesty of designation was a characteristic of the epoch. We find
sculptors whose works are to the present day admired and studied as
masterpieces styling themselves simply "stone-cutters." The contract is
a long document, consisting of twenty-one clauses, the greater number of
which are occupied with the most minute and detailed specification of
the work to be done. It is to be executed "according to the model made
by the said Bino, changing it or keeping it as it is according to the
will of the fathers" (the monks of St. Peter's), "so as not to change
the form and substance of the model." The prices agreed to be paid for
each stall in the choir, with its arch above it, is ten golden ducats,
which, allowing for the change in the value of the precious metals, may
be considered to be about equal to three hundred and seventy-five
dollars at the present day. The price does not seem by any means a small
one. But Signor Rossi's researches have elsewhere shown that it is a
mistake to suppose that the renowned professors of any branch of art
were poorly paid in those days. The very reverse was the case. It would
not be interesting to the reader to give him the details of the work
which Maestro Bino bound himself to execute, but some of the
stipulations must be mentioned, because they curiously illustrate the
life of the times. The convent is to furnish all the wood--that which is
required for the work itself, as well as all that may be needed, planks,
scaffolding and the like, for the putting of it in its place. "_Item._
We give him rooms to work in and to sleep in and to cook in, as well as
beds furnished with bedclothes. _Item._ Maestro Bino binds himself not
to undertake any other work till the choir is wholly finished and put
up, and he engages to do all the work within the walls of the convent.
He is bound to keep four men at work under him, and more if necessary."
The work is to be completed within two years should no impediment
intervene by death or grave and manifest illness. The convent undertakes
to furnish money from time to time as needed for the pay of the
journeymen, and fifty ducats beforehand for the hiring of assistants and
other necessary expenses.

Maestro Bino went to work at once, and on the 15th of that same April
had from the convent what seems the very large sum of ten florins and
eight soldi for glue. But, after all, this Maestr